Oct
13th
August has been an exciting month for the Lake View Back on My Feet team! Luckily, it’s been a little bit cooler and a lot easier to run. Read more…
Posts Tagged Member of the Month
Oct
12th
On Saturday, September 24th, Team REST went apple picking at Apple Holler in Wisconsin. Not only did we each get to pick ½ peck of apples, but we also got to taste the different types of apples! Who knew there were so many different kinds?! Thank you to Larry – our tallest residential member – who helped us pick the apples from the tops of trees! After apple picking, we couldn’t leave without tasting some apple cider and donuts. It’s a fall tradition! Then we went on an interesting hay ride through the orchard. While bouncing along, we created our own scary movie series starring pumpkins and the other visitors.
Sep
22nd
Residential team member John started communications classes at Northeastern University in August to finish his bachelors degree. He also got a job at RDI Business Development in sales. He is off to a great start and is receiving much praise from his boss. Read more…
Sep
6th
Rodney grew up on the Eastside of Indianapolis and currently works for Roosa Carpet Cleaning. He has two kids, a son who is sixteen and a daughter who is eleven.
He moved to Progress House four months ago when he realized that his life was unmanageable and he needed to stop using. Soon after he moved in he noticed the Back on My Feet community joining together three days a week to circle up and run. He joined team Progress House in July and hasn’t looked back since. He has 100% attendance- hasn’t missed a single day since he started on July 7th!
He completed the Planet Adventure Eagle Creek 5K on August 7th- his first race! This was a trail race and for those of you who have done any trail running, you know that this is much more difficult than running on the road! Rodney did a great job and even placed in his age group at the race. He had a blast running over logs and climbing the massive hills. When I asked Rodney about the race he said “It was awesome, you never knew what was coming next, it was a thrill ride, like life.”
Shoe Size: 10.5
Age: 37
Favorite Music: Heavy Metal, Typeo Negative
Favorite Athlete: My running partner Jeremy (Pictured on the left with Rodney below)
Favorite Post Run Food: Banana and Peanut Butter
Bucket List: Take a family vacation with both of my kids
Why did you join BoMF? I wanted to get in shape and thought the job training and incentives sounded like a good opportunity! I also thought it would help build my self-esteem.
What is your favorite thing about running with BoMF? Bonding with people, opening up and talking with who I’m running with. Hugging everyone.
Has running helped with staying sober? 100%, running helps. I’ve had times where I’ve thought about using and BoMF is the first thing that comes to my mind, it motivates me to stay focused. I would hate to lose the friendships I’ve made here. I enjoy running, it helps me clear my head and gives me time to pray.
What are your goals now? I have a lot of goals at this point. I want to get my GED, which is something I started a long time ago and now I’m ready to finish it. I am also training for the Back on My Feet 42K Relay and my first 1/2 marathon, the Monumental Half Marathon on November 5th. Prior to coming to live at Progress House, I earned my Commercial Drivers License, but ended up losing it due to some poor choices and that is something I would like to get back. Another lifelong dream of mine is to join the National Guard. I feel like it would be a good way to give back and also build my self confidence. Lastly I would love to take a family vacation with both of my kids.
What’s exciting in your life right now? I just talked to my eleven year old daughter for the first time ever and am really looking forward to building a relationship with her.
Aug
26th
Hello, Chicago summer!
The warm temperatures we were missing when the Lake View team first started, are hitting us ten fold. 
It’s always one or the other…
that’s the way Chicago works don’t you know? It’s been a quiet month but a steady one.
Laura, Jay and Mick accompanied a couple of the guys to the first-ever Beach-a-thon. Steven made sure to choose his words carefully when describing how “fun” it was.
I think it was harder than they thought it would be. But fun, it was.
All of our members have maintained an above-90% attendance rate! We’re so, so proud of all of them.
And, congrats to both Joe and Steven, who flew past the 50 mile mark this month—these two are powerhouses, but watch out—Carmacho and Raymond are hot on their tails.
Michael is still enjoying his position with the Park District as a counselor—and already looking for another one to round out his summer. Fingers crossed, it all works out.
We’re all looking forward to our first 5K and 10K next weekend… let the racing begin! Read more…
Aug
17th
August brings record breaking temperatures in Dallas and an awesome new batch of Members of the Month! What does it take to be recognized as a Member of the Month? These runners demonstrate the spirit of BoMF, determination, confidence and strength. They understand the meaning of a team and are an integral part of the BoMF family. They are more than deserving of double hugs this month!
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Deborah Witt, Non-Residential Member, Dallas LIFE “Since joining the Dallas Life team, BoMF has provided additional opportunities for me to be involved with the program and residents. I participated in a 2.0 Orientation, facilitated a Financial Literacy class, planned special events, and recruited two co-workers. Needless to say, I believe in this program. I know how lives are touched and changed – especially mine! BoMF adds value to my life.” |
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Joe McCullough, Residential Member, Dallas LIFE “I joined BoMF to better myself and improve myself in areas where I thought I was lacking. I like the environment that I wake up to in the morning. If it wasn’t for ya’ll inspiring me, I wouldn’t have made it this far. I like all aspects of it. I think it’s good for a person to get up to learn discipline.” |
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Nelson Prater, Non-Residential Member, Salvation Army “I guess my favorite part of running with BoMF is seeing the courage and determination on the faces of those getting out there to run. I’ve been running for a long time, and for some long distances, so I had forgotten that running is really a very hard thing to do. For me, it’s leisure time. So, when I get to run with people who are really giving it their all, it inspires me tremendously.” |
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Audelia Polk, Residential Member, Salvation Army Audelia completed her first 5K on August 6, 2011 at the Melon Dash 5K. At the tender age of 71, Audelia placed in her age group and continues to inspire others on her team. |
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Erica Martinez, Non-Residential Member, The Bridge “Gloria [Residential Member] and I have done several races together with a run/walk approach and we always finish races with our hands up high. She warms my heart. I love how supportive she is of everyone; and whether she knows it or not, she’s a valuable mentor to a lot of the members.” |
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Trina Stimpson, Residential Member, The Bridge “I needed more structure in my life. It helps motivate me to move onto the next step that I’m trying to get to. The running in the mornings clear my mind. In the future, I see myself stable, with my own place, a part time job and in school. BoMF has taught me that I can do anything I put my mind to. I hope to complete a half marathon in November.” |
Aug
11th
It’s been a rainy July but it isn’t keeping the Lawson House indoors! With marathoners now requiring more than the typical 5 mile runs during the week, our routes have now vary with 3 different distance options. The toughest part about July has certainly been the humidity, although by the smiles and high fives after runs, you wouldn’t know it! We kicked off July by participating in a Beach-a-thon at Montrose beach. While not everyone donned shoes, everyone had smiles; especially winners who were recognized at the breakfast potluck following the event. Our team got a chance to see Chicago on the big screen when we walked to the Chicago History Museum for Movies in the Park, featuring Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. We also welcomed two volunteers into core positions and are excited to see what they will bring to the Team Organizer position!
Aug
9th
Steve Kerr is the wonderful coach for Team HVAF. Steve is an experienced runner and also very involved in the Indianapolis community. Many times, if you tell someone about Back on My Feet, they will ask you if you’ve worked with Wheeler Mission, and their next question is “Have you met Steve Kerr?” Steve is the Chief Development Officer for Wheeler Mission Ministries.
Wheeler Mission Ministries is a non-denominational, Christian, social services organization, which provides critically needed goods and services to homeless, poor, and needy of central Indiana without regard to race, color, creed, national origin or religion. Wheeler has eight locations and is the largest and most diverse ministry of its kind in the state.
With Steve’s experience at Wheeler, along with his dedication to running, Back on My Feet is a perfect fit for him. He has been running with the team from day one and is part of the glue that holds team HVAF together. He is committed, honest and most importantly he truly cares about the relationships he is building with the men on his team.
Shoe Size: 12
Favorite Post Run Food: Le Peep Granola Pancakes!!!!
How many marathons have you done: 6
Favorite Race you’ve ever done: New York City Marathon
Favorite Music: Motown
Favorite Athlete: Changes from time to time and from sport to sport. I’ve been a real fan of cyclist George Hincapie for a while. Great support rider and teammate.
Bucket List Item you plan to cross off soon: Tour de France in person (watching, not riding)
Why do you run? I love the rewards of running – health, both physical and spiritual. It brings me closer to my Creator.
Tell me more about your family: Wonderful wife who is also an avid runner/walker and my best friend. She’s my scuba buddy. I have a great son and daughter-in-law and a 12 year old granddaughter.
Do you want to share anything about your work? I get the privilege of working for Wheeler Mission and helping our communities homeless.
What do you like to do for fun? Scuba diving, reading non-fiction, cycling (we live for July – Tour de France)
Why did you choose to get involved with BoMF? In my position at Wheeler I don’t work directly with those we serve. BoMF gives me the opportunity to connect with men in our community that can benefit from a great program like this. It allows me to combine my passions, service to those in need and running.
What has BoMF meant to you? It’s been amazing to see the growth in these guys and their dedication to the program.
All-time Favorite BoMF memory? Ron and Joe’s first ½ marathon!
Anything else you would like to share with our readers? I appreciate the opportunity to be a BoMF volunteer and look forward to many miles more.
Steve with some of his team at a morning run!
Steve with some of his team after the Carmel Half Marathon!
Jul
19th
Summer has arrived in Chicago and based on the impressive attendance by the St. Leonard’s team members, we have some happy runners. Currently we have five members (Osie, Frank W., Nick, Howard, and George) who have 100% attendance. Issac is close at 99% attendance, having only missed one run since he started in December. Read more…
Jul
12th
June is normally the official kick-off to summer and the transition into warmer weather. Chicago weather had other plans for Team REST. Lightening, wind, rain and scary stormy skies all worked in concert to foil our best efforts. However, we had one up on Mother Nature and, despite the bad weather, still had a great showing on those days when we were forced to cancel our runs. Thanks to our die-hard and amazingly dedicated volunteers and our hard-core group of guys, we still were able to meet, chat and have fun.
